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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hardship and Perseverance

This monument looks alot bigger in person (click the picture if needed for a better view or to read the inscription)

This is the North Outer Line, the British would have had to come up the hill into canon and musket fire.The Continental Army was in this area during winter of 1777-78.This is a very historic place, it's called Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. It's about a 40 minute drive from my house. It's beautiful and very peaceful now, but during the winter of 1777-78 it was bitter cold and covered with snow. It's the place where the tired, poorly supplied and poorly clothed Continental Army camped for the winter and held their ground against The British Army. By this time the Americans had already lost two key battles, as well as Philadelphia (which is 20 miles northwest) to the British. The Americans under General George Washington used their time wisely at Valley Forge, drilling, building cabins,forts, bridges, etc and maturing as a fighting unit.

The monument in the top photo was dedicated in 1917 and commmemorates the "Patience and fidelity" of the soldiers who wintered here in 1777-78

Valley Forge is a large and fascinating National Historical Park. I've been there twice, but I figure it will take several more trips to soak it all in. Yesterday's photo was also taken at Valley Forge Historical Park.

The hardships that were indured by the Continetal Army have become ledgend.

"To see the men without clothes to cover their nakedness, without blankets to lie upon, without shoes...without a house or hut to cover them until those could be built, and submitting without a murmur, is a proof of patience and obedience which, in my opinion, can scarcely be paralleled."-George Washington at Valley Forge, April 21, 1778

Great images for a very interesting post. You refreshed my memory about one of the most important places in history and you did it with a perfect choice of words, a great quote and a couple of beautiful photos.

It was the time when French people came to help Americans to get their independance, or am I wrong?..A beautyful place anyway, and so interesting.. The arch is quite impressive; I like memory places like this.

Traditionally Indian women get mehndi (henna) designs done on their hands for various occasions such as weddings, engagements....this one is bit detailed cause it was done for a wedding.....it's my wife's hand....i clicked this when we were out sightseeing on our honeymoon at Andaman Islands

Great pics, great post... sadly so much of our youth have no idea about the importance of Valley Forge, Tara is in 7th grade and has yet to learn of the Revolutionary War in school. She told a friend from NY that we were going to Valley Forge one day and he said "What is that?"

Very nice, James. We visited Valley Forge several times when we lived in West Chester...and in my role as a teacher of American history, the story of Valley Forgery usually held the student's interest.

It's a beautiful place...we even had picnics there...but to see all of the artifacts and buildings...yes, it's going to take more trips...